Ceftriaxone-induced hemolytic anemia: case report and review of literature.

Ceftriaxone is a frequently used empiric antibiotic in children. Acute hemolysis is a rare side effect of ceftriaxone therapy associated with a high mortality rate. A 14-year-old boy suffering from Crohn disease developed bacterial pneumonia that was treated with ceftriaxone. We report successful management of ceftriaxone-induced hemolytic anemia (CIHA) in this patient and review the CIHA literature in pediatric patients. Early recognition of CIHA with prompt discontinuation of ceftriaxone therapy may have a beneficial role in reduction of high mortality seen in these patients.